Syria to U.S.: If Anyone Meddles in Lebanese Elections, It’s Us.

(Ynet) — Syria on Saturday slammed what it said was US meddling in the upcoming Lebanese presidential elections, accusing it of hindering dialogue between the Lebanese. “The immoral and blunt US interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs has been clearly demonstrated,” said an editorial in the state-run Tishrin daily, which reflects government thinking.

US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has said that Lebanon’s next president must be committed to constitutional order, support U N Security Council resolutions protecting the country’s sovereignty and commit to seeing through a tribunal for the suspects in the 2005 killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Despite marathon discussions between pro-government and opposition leaders in Lebanon, the two groups have made no headway in electing a new president to prevent a power vacuum or the formation of two rival administrations. (AP)